Behavioral Responses to Wildfire Smoke: A Case Study in Western Montana

Although climate change is increasing wildfire and smoke events globally, public health messaging and individual access to resources for protection are limited. Individual interventions can be highly effective at reducing wildfire smoke exposure. However, studies related to individual responses to wildfire smoke are limited and demonstrate mixed protective behaviors and risk perception. Our research helps fill this gap by assessing the self-reported behavior of 20 participants during wildfire season in Western Montana from 28 June through 1 November, 2022. We also measured continuous outdoor and indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations at participant residencies during this time period using PurpleAir sensors (PAII-SD, PurpleAir, Inc, USA) while participants took up to 16 self-reported online weekly activity surveys. Mixed-effect Poisson regression models were used to assess associations between exposure variables and participant reported behaviors. These results were compared with end-of-study interview findings. Wildfire smoke impacted days and increased concentrations of PM2.5 were associated with decreased outdoor exercise and opening of windows for ventilation. Interview themes were congruent with the regression analysis, with the additional finding of high portable air cleaner (PAC) use among participants. Additionally, these interviews gave context to both the tradeoffs participants face when making protective decisions and the importance of personal air quality data in increasing awareness about wildfire smoke risks. Future wildfire smoke studies can build off this research by providing personally relevant air quality data and PACs to participants and by improving public health messaging to address the compounding risks of wildfire smoke exposure and heat.